I’ve always been interested in cars but my boyfriend is a car guy (2013 mustang gt, beautiful girl) and since learning more I’d love to get into the car scene as well. My dream cars (a manual cammed and lowered c6 or a bmw x5 m60i 😮‍💨) are wayyyyy out of my price range since we are broke recent college grads. I wanted to know peoples ideas for a fun car to drive like a Mazda Miata that I can rip around in until I can afford my dream cars. Something nimble, quick and fun to drive that won’t break the bank and holds up under pressure. Thanks everyone!

Hi, I want to have a fun beater car to daily, but not sure with today's car prices. Here is the information as per the subreddit's wiki:

Location: AZ, USA.

Price range: Up to $5k, but can go a little over if its worth.

Lease or Buy: Buy.

New or used: Used.

Type of vehicle: Prefer something low to the ground, so a sedan, coupe, convertible, or hatchback.

Must haves: Enough torque to have some fun.

Desired transmission: I'm more comfortable with manual, but I wouldn't mind dailying an auto.

Intended use: Daily use.

Vehicles you've already considered: Found an older Chrysler 300C near me, as well as older Mercedes CLS550 (though, that's expensive to maintain and a little out of budget).

Is this your 1st vehicle: No.

Do you need a Warranty: No.

Can you do Minor work on your own vehicle: Yes.

Can you do Major work on your own vehicle: Some, but not anything too major.

Additional Notes: Prefer if insurance isn't insanely high, as I want something that won't financially screw me over.

I would like to fun a sporty, fun car with a manual transmission for under 5k dollars.

Edit: Actively looking for a Toyota Celica Gt-4, Mazda Miata, Toyota Corolla XRS, Toyota Celica Gt-s, Honda Civic Si, and more from suggestions. They are very helpful.

Edit 2: Where I live, Miata’s are hard to find for a good price, but it is a very worthy prospect.